Luminescent heterodiamondoids as biological labels

Abstract

Novel biological labels are disclosed herein. The label comprises a functionalized heterodiamondoid functioning as a biological probe, the probe having an affinity for a target analyte molecule. Upon absorption of incident excitation radiation, color center(s) located within the heterodiamondoid are caused to luminesce. The photoemitted light may be detected and analyzed to yield information about the analyte. The color centers in the heterodiamondoid will typically comprise nitrogen-vacancy and / or nitrogen-pore complexes, but may also comprise a dopant impurity atom such as a rare earth or transition metal element.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 489,550 filed Jul. 23, 2003. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 489,550 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] Embodiments of the present invention are directed in general toward the uses of heterodiamondoids as labels for use in biological systems. Specifically, functionalized heterodiamondoids may function as labels in probes capable of binding to a biological target of interest (the analyte) whereupon the probe-target complex, termed a biological label, is capable of luminescence when exposed to an energy source. [0004] 2. State of the Art [0005] Fluorescent labeling of biological systems is a well known analytical tool used in biotechnology and analytical chemistry. Applications for such fluorescent labeling include fluorescence microscopy, histology, flow cytomet...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward novel fluorescent labels based on heterodiamondoids. Conventional labeling techniques have relied on fluorescing organic dyes, but there are a number of problems with such analytical systems. One is that the emission of light in the visible region from an excited dye molecule is usually characterized b...

Problems solved by technology

Conventional labeling techniques have relied on fluorescing organic dyes, but there are a number of problems with such analytical systems.

Another problem is that most dye molecules have a relatively narrow absorption spectrum, thus requiring multiple excitation beams.

A third problem is that of photostability, where conventional fluorescent molecules have the tendency to bleach, or irreversibly cease to emit light under repeated cycles of absorption and emission.

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